Volunteer Coordinator [Natural History Museum of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT]

Description

At the Natural History Museum of Utah we place a strong emphasis on providing an exceptional experience to every guest who visits the museum or participates in any of our programs. All staff members, at every level and in all departments, are a critical part of providing this level of experience. Candidates selected for employment with NHMU will receive training and be expected to consistently contribute to creating an exceptional and memorable experience at every opportunity.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual for the position of Volunteer Coordinator who has a clear understanding of the value of volunteerism and is energized by working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The Volunteer Coordinator works with museum staff in all departments and manages the Natural History Museum of Utah’s volunteer program which consists of 300+ volunteers and a 14-member volunteer advisory board. The Coordinator is responsible for cultivating and maintaining a positive relationship with museum staff, volunteers, and community members. Additionally, the Coordinator creates a welcoming environment to enhance the recruitment and retention of the museum’s volunteer force. The right candidate will possess innovative problem-solving and conflict resolution skills with an aptitude for working through complex processes.

This position reports to the Public Programs Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with museum staff across all departments to identify and assess their volunteer needs. Assists staff in developing meaningful, dynamic volunteer job descriptions and experiences to meet department needs.
• Recruits volunteers in accordance with museum needs. Collaborates with Marketing and Community Relations Departments to develop and implement effective recruitment tools to reach a broad, diverse audience.
• Manages volunteer application process. Conducts initial screening of applicants for volunteer positions. Collaborates with appropriate museum staff to schedule and conduct applicant interviews.
• Communicates effectively with all applicants, assessing their candidacy, and confirming their understanding of placement process and status.
• Develops and oversees orientation of new volunteers. Tracks volunteers’ completion of mandatory museum training. Collaborates with museum staff to identify additional training needs.
• Provides training to museum staff on procedures for requesting, recruiting, training, managing, and retaining volunteers. When requested, uses problem-solving skills to work with staff and volunteers to evaluate, reassign, or dismiss volunteers as necessary.
• Collaborates with museum staff to identify volunteer needs for special or one-time events. Coordinates scheduling and supports work of volunteers at museum-wide events.
• Develops and implements a volunteer recognition program including a range of benefits and recognition opportunities.
• Develops and implements a volunteer retention strategy to keep volunteers motivated and engaged by properly screening volunteers, providing appropriate training, communicating effectively, and recognizing volunteer efforts.
• Develops and implements a program to evaluate volunteers’ experience at the museum. Collaborates with museum staff to create tools for evaluating volunteer performance.
• Develops and implements a program to evaluate the effectiveness of the museum’s volunteer program.
• Facilitates work of the volunteer advisory board in support of the volunteer program and the mission of the museum. Serves as ex officio non-voting member of the volunteer advisory board participating in board and committee meetings.
• Manages, reviews, and maintains confidential database and files of volunteer information, including application, contact information, service hours, certifications, and other information as necessary.
• Develops and tracks the volunteer program budget.
• Hires, trains, manages, and evaluates part-time, work-study, and intern assistants in support of volunteer program.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus one year directly related experience or equivalency required. Demonstrated ability to work independently, analyze and make decisions related to program content. Strong coordination and organizational skills required to prioritize conflicting deadlines. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills are also required. Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences: Experience working in museum or non-profit organization. Curiosity and passion for science and the natural world. Welcome the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment. Have the ability to multi-task, work well under pressure, and consistently meet deadlines. Must have good general computer skills, including familiarity with Volgistics or other volunteer management software; be self-motivated, organized, proactive, and reliable. Excellent written and verbal communications skills are a must.